Portable Cable Tie Tool

ABSTRACT

An automatic cable tie apparatus tightens and fastens a cable tie around a bundle of cables. A motor imparts rotational movement to a shaft separately in a first direction and a second direction. The first and second directions are one of a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. A cable tie delivery mechanism is operably joined to the motor such that the cable tie delivery mechanism transfers a cable tie to a cable tie load starting position as the shaft rotates in the first direction. A transporter is also operably joined to the motor such that the transporter transfers the cable tie from the cable tie load starting position to a cable tie tensioning position as the shaft rotates in the second direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/629,334, filed Feb. 12, 2018, the subject matter of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A cable tie is a type of fastener, for holding items together, primarilyelectrical cables or wires. These cable ties are well known. Typically,they are thin, flexible polymeric strips that can be wrapped about thecables. Because of their low cost and ease of use, cable ties find usein a wide range of other applications.

One common cable tie is made of nylon and has a flexible tape sectionwith teeth that engage with a pawl in a head to form a ratchet so thatas the free end of the tape section is pulled the cable tie tightens anddoes not come undone. Some ties include a tab that can be depressed torelease the ratchet so that the tie can be loosened or removed, andpossibly reused.

Tools for applying cable ties about a bundle of wires or similararticles are also well known. These tools may be manual, semi-automatic,or automatic. Many of these tools are complicated multiple operationtools that provide individual cable ties from a dispenser having acartridge or reel containing a large number of cable ties to aconveyance mechanism for provision to the application tool.

Portable hand tools of this type are possible when the mechanism forseparating each cable tie from the cable tie ribbon is within the toolitself. Thus, individual cable tie ribbons of a manageable length arepositioned in the portable tool which sequentially separates, advancesand applies each cable tie. Prior automatic cable tie installation toolshave utilized various reciprocating mechanisms such as a pushing rod orcarriage as the cable tie advancing mechanism to transport the tie intoapplication position around the bundle. Tools of this type still havedrawbacks due to the requirement that the reciprocating member needs tobe retracted to be in position to transport the next cable tie.Therefore, the simplification of the cable tie advancing mechanism willgreatly reduce the complexity of the overall tool. Additionally, theelimination of a reciprocating transport mechanism allows for a shorterlength tool and one which uses fewer moving parts.

The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed aboveand other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not providedby prior cable tie tools devices of this type. A full discussion of thefeatures and advantages of the present invention is deferred to thefollowing detailed description, which proceeds with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention is directed to an automatic cable tieapparatus for tightening and fastening a cable tie about around a bundleof cables or the like. A first motor imparts rotational movement to afirst shaft separately in a first direction and a second directionwherein the first and second directions are one of a clockwise and acounter-clockwise direction, respectively. A cable tie deliverymechanism is operably joined to the first motor such that the cable tiedelivery mechanism transfers a cable tie to a cable tie load startingposition as the first shaft rotates in the first direction. Atransporter is operably joined to the first motor such that thetransporter transfers the cable tie from the cable tie load startingposition to a cable tie tensioning position as the first shaft rotatesin the second direction.

The first aspect of the invention may further comprise one or more ofthe following features. A first clutch may be located between the firstmotor and the cable tie delivery mechanism. The first clutch has anengaged condition wherein rotational movement by the first shaft in thefirst direction drives a movement by the cable tie delivery mechanismand a disengaged condition wherein rotational movement by the firstshaft in the second direction causes the first shaft to freewheel inrelation to the cable tie delivery mechanism wherein such rotationalmovement by the first shaft in the second direction does not impartmovement to the cable tie delivery mechanism. A second clutch may belocated between the first motor and the transporter. The second clutchhas an engaged condition wherein rotational movement by the first shaftin the second direction drives a movement by the transporter and adisengaged condition wherein rotational movement by the first shaft inthe first direction causes the first shaft to freewheel in relation tothe transporter wherein such rotational movement by the first shaft inthe first direction does not impart movement to the transporter.

The cable tie delivery mechanism may comprise a gearing assemblyoperably joined to the first motor wherein a first gear in the gearingassembly includes a plurality of chamfered teeth configured tofrictionally engage a cable tie carrier to impart movement to the cabletie carrier upon rotation of the first shaft in the first direction todeliver the cable tie in the plurality of cable ties to the cable tieload starting position.

The transporter may also comprise a gearing assembly operably joined tothe first motor wherein a first gear imparts movement to the transporterto convey the cable tie from the cable tie load starting position to thecable tie tensioning position.

The first aspect of the invention may further comprise a support walloperably joined to the second motor such that the support wall movesupwardly in response to the second shaft rotating in the directioncorresponding to one of the first direction or the second direction. Thesupport wall may move upwardly to a position adjacent the transporter tosupport the cable tie as the cable tie moves from the cable tie loadstarting position to the cable tie tensioning position.

The first aspect may further comprise a second motor impartingrotational movement to a second shaft separately in the first directionor the second direction. A cable tie supporter is operably joined to thesecond motor such that the cable tie supporter directs a moving cabletie from the cable tie load start position to the cable tie tensioningposition as the second shaft rotates in a direction corresponding to oneof the first direction or the second direction. A cable tie tensioner isoperably joined to the second motor such that the cable tie tensionerdecreases a circumferential length of the annular shape as the secondshaft rotates in the other of the first direction or the seconddirection.

A second aspect of the invention is also directed to an automatic cabletie apparatus for tightening and fastening a cable tie around a bundleof cables or the like. A motor imparts rotational movement to a shaftseparately in a first direction or a second direction, wherein the firstor second directions are one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwisedirection, respectively. A support wall may be operably joined to themotor such that the support wall moves upwardly in response to the shaftrotating in the first direction. The support wall may move upwardly to aposition adjacent the transporter to support the cable tie as the cabletie moves from a cable tie load starting position to a cable tietensioning position.

A cable tie supporter is operably joined to the motor such that thecable tie supporter directs a moving cable tie from the cable tie loadstart position to the cable tie tension position as the shaft rotates inthe first direction. A cable tie tensioner is operably joined to themotor such that the cable tie tensioner decreases a circumferentiallength of the annular shape as the shaft rotates in the seconddirection.

A third aspect of the invention is also directed to an automatic cabletie apparatus for tightening and fastening a cable tie around a bundleof cables or the like. A plurality of mechanical functions performed insequence delivers a cable tie from a plurality of cable ties to a cableload starting position, forms the cable tie into an annular form,tensions the cable tie, and shortens a circumferential length of theannular form. A first motor imparts rotational movement to a first shaftseparately in a first direction and a second direction wherein the firstand second directions are one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwisedirection. The first motor separately provides a mechanical power to afirst apparatus function in the plurality of mechanical functions as thefirst shaft rotates in the first direction and a second apparatusfunction in the plurality of mechanical functions as the first shaftrotates in the second direction. The second motor imparts rotationalmovement to a second shaft separately in a third direction and a fourthdirection wherein the third and fourth directions are one of a clockwiseand a counter-clockwise direction. The second motor separately providesa mechanical power to a third apparatus function in the plurality ofmechanical functions as the second shaft rotates in the third directionand a fourth apparatus function in the plurality of mechanical functionsas the second shaft rotates in the fourth direction. A cable tiedelivery mechanism is operably joined to one of the first and secondmotors and performs one of the plurality of mechanical functions whereinthe cable tie delivery mechanism delivers the cable tie to the cableload starting position. A cable tic supporter is operably joined to oneof the first and second motors and performs one of the plurality ofmechanical functions wherein the cable tie supporter can guide the cabletie into the transport channel, raise the lower jaw, and cut the tiefrom the carrier strip. A cable tie transporter is operably joined toone of the first and second motors and performs one of the plurality ofmechanical functions wherein the cable tie transporter moves the cabletie from the cable tie load starting position to the cable tietensioning position and bends the cable tie into an annular position. Acable tie tensioner is operably joined to one of the first and secondmotors and performs one of the plurality of mechanical functions whereinthe cable tie tensioner shortens the circumferential length of theannular form and removes the excess cable tie.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing specification taken in conjunction with the followingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld cable tie tool of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handheld cable tie tool of thepresent invention with a housing removed showing a plurality of cableties loaded therein;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the handheld cable tie toolloaded with a plurality of cable ties;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the handheld cable tie toolloaded with a plurality of cable ties showing a cable tie beingdelivered via an auger towards a cable tie tensioning position;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the handheld cable tie toolloaded with a plurality of cable ties;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the handheld cable tie toolloaded with a plurality of cable ties with a support wall in an upperposition showing a cable tie in a cable load starting position;

FIG. 7 is a left front perspective view of an upper portion of the cabletie tool of the present invention with a housing removed;

FIG. 8 is a right front perspective view of an upper portion of thecable tie tool of the present invention with a housing removed;

FIG. 9 is a right rear perspective view of an upper portion of the cabletie tool of the present invention with a housing removed;

FIG. 10 is a left side view of an upper portion of the cable tie tool ofthe present invention with a housing removed;

FIG. 11 is a right side view of an upper portion of the cable tie toolof the present invention with a housing removed;

FIG. 12 is a right side view of an upper portion of the cable tie toolof the present invention with a housing removed showing a drive belt;

FIG. 13 is a front view an upper portion of the cable tie tool of thepresent invention with a housing removed;

FIG. 14 is a back view of an upper portion of the cable tie tool of thepresent invention with a housing removed;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus showing acable tie bent into an annular form and the rear jaw in an upperposition; and

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus showing acable tie bent into an annular form in a cable tie tensioning positionand a circumferential length of the annular form decreased by a cabletie tensioner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring generally to the figures, a portable, handheld cable tieapparatus 10 is illustrated. This cable tie apparatus dispenses a cabletie 14 from a supply of cable ties 18, wraps the cable tie 14 about aplurality of cables (not shown), and tightens the cable tie 14 about thecables. The cable tie apparatus is advantageous for many reasons.

For example, it is fully self-contained. A supply of cable ties 18,while external to a housing 22 of the cable tie apparatus 10, is easilytransported when loaded into or onto the cable tie apparatus 10.

Additionally, the cable tie apparatus 10 may be operated with one hand.Thus, a user has a hand free to support cables, lift or move cables,and/or feed cables to the cable tie apparatus 10.

Further, the cable tie apparatus 10 of the present invention is poweredby a power source or supply 26, preferably a DC power supply such as arechargeable battery electronically connected to apparatus drivers.Thus, actuation of the cable tie apparatus 10 by manipulating anactuator 30, such as a trigger, causes a cable tie 14 to be dispensedand wrapped about the cables without further manual intervention.

As shown in FIGS. 2-6, cable ties 18 used with the cable tie apparatus10 may be ratchet-type cable ties. One end, typically a head 34, of eachcable tie 14 is attached to a carrier strip 38. An opposite end, atapered tip end 42, is a free end, not attached to the carrier strip 38.The cable ties 18 and carrier strip 38 are fed into a left side of thecable tie apparatus 10. A pair of transfer gears 46 have teethconfigured to bite into the carrier strip 38 and index each cable tie 14into a proper position for separating, e.g. by cutting or severing, thecable tie 14 from the carrier strip 38. A pressure bar 50 creates anupward force to ensure the carrier strip 38 is always loaded up againstthe transfer gears 46. This is critical for proper operation and cabletie transfer.

A first motor 55, e.g. a stepper motor, has a shaft joined to a drivegear 56 which transfers rotational movement to the transfer gears 46.Accordingly, the shaft imparts rotational movement separately in a firstdirection and a second direction wherein the first and second directionsare one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction, respectively.The transfer gears 46 transfer movement to the plurality of cable ties18 attached to the carrier strip 38.

A cable delivery mechanism 52 is operably joined to the motor 55. Thismechanism delivers a cable tie 14 to a load starting position (see,e.g., FIG. 6). The cable ties 14 are loaded on the left side of theapparatus 10 with the carrier strip 38 being urged or pushed upwardlyinto a carrier strip guide 54. Once the carrier strip 38 reaches thetransfer gears 46, the transfer gears 46 engage and bite into thecarrier strip 38 and rotate to move the cable ties 14 to a load startingposition.

A tie sensor 58 is located at the end of the carrier strip guide 54(see, e.g., FIG. 7). The tie sensor 58 (FIG. 8) senses the presence of acable tie 14. The tie sensor 58 transmits a signal which causes thefirst motor 55 to stop rotating the drive gear 56 and the carrier strip38 with the cable ties 14 which stops advancing when a cable tie 14 islocated just under a transfer auger 62. When a cable tie 14 is in thisposition, the apparatus 10 is ready for an operator to begin applyingcable ties 14 to a bundle of cables (not shown).

The first motor 55 shaft is further joined to cable tie transporter 60.The cable tie transporter 60 moves the cable tie 14 linearly from thecable tie load starting position to a cable tie tensioning position. Thecable tie transporter 60 includes a second set of gears 63, 64 whichdrive the auger 62. The drive gear 63 transfers movement to an augergear 64 directly attached to an end of the auger 62.

The cable tie delivery mechanism 52 and the cable tie transporter 60each have a one-way clutch 65. The drive gears 56, 63 are outfitted withthe clutches 65. These clutches 65 are set to engage in one directionand disengage in the other direction. This enables the first motor 55 toseparately enable two different functions with one prime mover. In thiscase, when the shaft of the first motor 55 rotates in a first direction,it drives revolution of a first drive gear 56 which transfers motion tothe transfer gears 46 to index the plurality of cable ties 18. When theshaft of the first motor 55 rotates in a second direction, it drivesrevolution of a drive gear 63 which transfers motion to the auger gear64 which causes the auger 62 to transfer a cable tie 14 from theplurality of cable ties 18 outwardly along a length of the auger 62towards front and rear jaws 68, 70. The cable tie 14 is pushed aroundthe cable tie supporter 66 of the front and rear jaws 68, 70 into anannular shape around a bundle of cables (not shown).

Thus, one clutch 65 is located between the first motor 55 and the cabletie delivery mechanism 52. This clutch 65 has an engaged conditionwherein rotational movement by the first motor 55 shaft in the firstdirection drives a movement by the cable tie delivery mechanism 52 and adisengaged condition wherein rotational movement by the first motor 55shaft in the second direction causes the cable tie delivery mechanism 52to freewheel in relation to the first motor 55 shaft. Such rotationalmovement by the first motor 55 shaft in the second direction does notimpart movement to the cable tie delivery mechanism 52.

A second clutch 65 is located between the first motor 55 and the cabletie transporter 60. This clutch 65 also has an engaged condition whereinrotational movement by the first motor 55 shaft in the second directiondrives a movement by the cable tie transporter 60 and a disengagedcondition wherein rotational movement by the first motor 55 shaft in thefirst direction causes drive gear 63 to freewheel in relation to thefirst motor 55 shaft. Such rotational movement by the first motor 55shaft in the first direction does not impart movement to the cable tietransporter 60.

Further to the transfer gears 46, each gear exhibits a modified end oftooth profile (see, e.g., FIG. 5). Tips of the transfer gears 46 havetwo small chamfers on each side of every tooth. This chamfer profilemakes the end of each tooth pointed and allows the teeth to frictionallyengage by biting into the carrier strip 38 and reliably impart movementto the carrier strip 38 and index the cable ties 18. This profile alsoreduces the surface area of each tooth to allow surface penetration ofthe carrier strip 38 regardless of whether the cable ties 18 are dry orwet.

The operator positions front and rear jaws 68, 70 around the bundle ofcables and actuates the apparatus 10 by engaging the actuator 30, e.g.pressing a trigger on the apparatus.

A second motor 74 imparts rotational movement to a shaft separately inthe clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. A cable tie supporter66, is operably joined to the second motor 74 such that the cable tiesupporter 66 directs a cable tie tapered tip end 42 through the cabletie head 34 as the shaft rotates in one of a clockwise orcounter-clockwise direction (see, e.g., FIG. 15). A cable tie tensioneris also operably joined to the second motor 74 such that the cable tietensioner decreases a circumferential length of the annular shape whenthe tapered tip end 42 engages the gripper gear 122 as the shaft rotatesin the same direction to the direction which drives the cable tiesupporter 66.

Upon actuation, the second motor 74, such as a brushless motor, causes adrive belt 78 to move. The drive belt 78 is wound about a motor pulley82 attached to the second motor 74, an idler 86, cam pulley 90, and atensioning and cut-off pulley 94. The second motor 74 drives the motorpulley 82 which drives the drive belt 78 causing rotation of the campulley 90 and the tensioning and cut-off pulley 94.

A support wall 98 is operably joined to the second motor 74 to supportthe cable tie 14 as the cable tie 14 moves from the cable tie loadstarting position to the cable tie tensioning position. A support wall98 moves upwardly to a position adjacent the cable tie transporter 60 inresponse to the second motor 74 shaft rotating in the directioncorresponding to one of a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Rotation, generally 180 degrees, of cam pulley 90 causes a movement inthe support wall 98. The support wall 98 moves upwardly into an upperposition (see, e.g. FIGS. 4 and 6). The support wall 98 is operablyjoined to the rear jaw 70 and includes features that actuate closing ofthe rear jaw 70 (compare, e.g., FIG. 11 with FIG. 15), cutting the cabletie 14 from the carrier strip 38, and supporting the cable tie 14 beingtransferred by the auger 62 from the load starting position to atensioning position. During the supporting wall's 98 upward movementthree events occur to locate the cable tie 14 in a proper or desiredposition.

First, the support wall 98 is operably joined to the second motor 74such that the support wall moves upwardly in response to the secondshaft rotating in the direction corresponding to one of the firstdirection or the second direction. The support wall 98 moves upward withthe rear of the support wall 98 moving up first due to a resistance on afront portion of the support wall 98 created by a rear jaw linkage 99.The support wall 98 moves upwardly on an angle until a cutter blade 102attached to a rear portion of the support wall 98 contacts the cable tie14. This adds resistance to the rear of the support wall 98 movingupwardly and causes the front of the support wall 98 to move upangularly until the front of the support wall 98 is totally up andstopped by one or more pins 103.

A rear portion of the support wall 98 includes the cutter blade 102 thatseparates, frees, or cuts the cable tie 14 from the carrier strip 38.When the cutter blade 102 contacts a carrier strip connecting gate, thesupport wall 98 experiences resistance which causes the front portion ofthe support wall 98 to start rising. This angular motion creates asweeping action that pulls a cable tie 14 in the plurality of cable ties18 into a loading channel. This aligns the cable tie 14 for proper tietransfer by the auger 62.

Secondly, while the support wall 98 is moving upwardly, it actuates therear jaw linkage 99 that causes the rear jaw 70 to close around a cablebundle, or the like (see, e.g. FIGS. 6 and 15).

Thirdly, the support wall 98 continues in its upward travel until thecable tie 14 is separated from the carrier strip 38. Once the cable tie14 is separated, the cam pulley 90 stops, and the support wall 98 is inits final, fully upward position. The cam pulley 90 holds the supportwall 98 in this position during cable tie transfer. The support wall 98acts as a lower guide against which a bottom surface of the cable tie 14is supported as it travels outwardly along the length of the auger 62 tothe tensioning position.

At this point the first motor 55 reverses direction, and the auger 62begins turning. This causes the cable tie 14 to transfer forwardlytoward the front and rear jaws 68, 70 until it reaches a head stop 110.

Cable tie 14 movement is achieved by the tie head 34 trapped within ahelical channel 114 in the auger 62. Rotation of the auger 62 causes thetie head 34 to move linearly forwardly within the helical channel 114.

A one-way clutch 65 is located between the second motor 74 and the campulley 90. This clutch 65 has an engaged condition wherein rotationalmovement by the second motor 74 shaft in one direction drives a movementby the cam pulley 90. A disengaged condition occurs when the shaftrotates in the opposite direction. Here, rotational movement by theshaft in the opposite direction causes the cam pulley 90 to freewheel inrelation to the second motor 74 shaft. Such rotational movement by theshaft in the opposite direction does not impart movement to the campulley 90.

Similarly, another one-way clutch 65 is located between the second motor74 and the cable tie tensioner. This clutch 65 has an engaged conditionwhere rotational movement by the second motor shaft in one of theclockwise or counter-clockwise directions drives a movement by the cabletie tensioner. In a disengaged condition, rotational movement by theshaft in the opposite direction causes the cable tie tensioner tofreewheel in relation to the second motor 74 shaft. Such rotationalmovement by the shaft in the opposite direction does not impart movementto the cable tie tensioner.

The tensioning and cut-off pulley 94 and the cam pulley 90 includeone-way clutches 65 pressed into the tensioning and cut-off pulley andthe cam pulley 94, 90, respectively. The purpose of the one-way clutch65 is to allow the pulley 94 and cam pulley 90 to perform a function inone direction and free spin in the other direction. The tensioning andcut-off pulley 94 and the cam pulley 90 have one-way clutches 65installed in opposite directions so the same second motor 74 can performtwo different operations by just reversing direction (see FIGS. 11 and12).

The last function is tensioning the cable tie 14 about a bundle ofcables, or the like, and severing the free end 42 at the tie head 34.This is the same function as performed in the PAT1M 4.0 system marketedand sold by Panduit Corp. and also described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,220,the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and forthe specific description of the tensioning on the cable tie 14 about abundle of cables and the severing of the cable tie 14 at the tie head34. In the present apparatus 10, the second motor 74 reverses directionand the tensioning and cut-off pulley 94 is engaged such that anintermediate gear 115 is driven by the tensioning and cut-off pulley 94.

The auger 62 transfers the cable tie 14 from a load position to the headstop 110. As the cable tie 14 is pushed forward, the free end 42 movesaround the front and rear jaws 68, 70 into an annular shape. The secondmotor 74 rotates in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and movesthe front jaw 68 inwardly to push the free end 42 into the tie head 34.

Here, the free end 42 of the cable tie 14 traverses within a groove 118within the front and rear jaws 68, 70 which forms a guide within whichthe cable tie 14 travels to form a circumferential condition wherein thefree end 42 of the cable tie 14 feeds through the tie head 34.

The front jaw 68 movement threads the free end 42 through the tie head34 and delivers the free end 42 to a gripper gear 122. Once the free end42 feeds through the tie head 34, the front jaw 68 pushes anintermediate portion of the cable tie 14 farther through the tie head 34where the free end 42 is gripped by a gripper gear 122. The gripper gear122 rotates which causes the free end 42 to move and the cable tie 14 totension or tighten about the cable bundle. This process continues untila predetermined set tension is reached. The predetermined tension isadjustable by a knob 124. At this, a second cutter blade 126 is actuatedand cuts the intermediate portion of the cable tie 14 flush to the tiehead 34.

The tensioning and cut-off pulley 94 has a gear 127 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9and 13) which drives the intermediate gear 115. The intermediate gear115 is joined by a shaft to a gripper drive gear 128. The gripper drivegear 128 drives the gripper gear 122.

A front jaw cam roller 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 13), which is revolvingalong with gear 127 pushes the front jaw cam link 134 forward resultingin the front jaw 68 pivoting about a pivot point 138 to rotate inthereby threading the free end 42 of the cable tie 14 through the tiehead 34 and forcing the intermediate portion of the cable tie 14 intoengagement with the gripper gear 122. The front jaw 68 is returned toits normal position after front jaw cam roller 130 has revolvedsufficiently by front jaw return extension spring 142.

A tension adjusting assembly is mechanically linked to the gripper gear122 and applies a preset force through a tension limiting spring 146 toa tension retainer link 150 which is translated to a detent cam follower154 such that as the gripper gear 122 pulls on the cable tie 14,increasing the downward force applied to a gripper detent link 158, apoint is reached where the downward force overcomes the force applied bythe tension assembly and gripper gear 122 begins walking down the cabletie. When the gripper detent link 158 rotates, it pulls on a severancelink which causes a second cutter blade 126 to cut the excessintermediate portion of the cable tie 14 from the tensioned tie. Whenthe excess portion has been cut, a tension limiting spring 146 forcesthe gripper detent link 158 back into position and engagement of detentcam follower 154 with a detent or recess in the tensioning retaininglink. The return of the gripper detent link 158 causes activation of asensor 170 indicating that the cable tie 14 has been cut, and the cyclewas successfully completed. Continued rotation of gripper gear 122drives the severed portion of the cable tie 14 out of the apparatus 10.

The tensioning and cut-off pulley 94 also includes a timing controlcutout 178 (see, e.g., FIG. 9) and is timed so that it completes onerevolution per tool cycle. The revolution of the tensioning and cut-offpulley 94 is timed so that when a sensor 170 first senses the timingcontrol cutout 178, the motor 74 slows down. When sensor 170 senses anend of timing control cutout 178, indicating that the front jaw 68 hasreturned to the original position, the motor 74 stops.

Thus, when the cable tie 14 reaches the predetermined tension of thetensioning limiting spring 146, the tension retainer 150 releases. Thiscauses the gripper detent link 158 to move around a main pivot shaftwhich causes the second cutter blade 126 to cut the tensioned cable tie14.

The support wall 98 then lowers to a down position (see, e.g., FIG. 10)aided by a spring force provide by a spring 174. The next cable tie 14in the plurality of cable ties 18 indexes to the load position. Thiscompletes one cycle of the cable tie apparatus 10.

The support wall 98 is lowered by rotating the cam pulley 90 another 180degrees. A sensor 170 senses a position of the support wall 98 to ensureit is in a fully down position. When the support wall 98 is down, andthe sensor 170 confirms its position, the next cable tie 14 in theplurality of cable ties 18 is indexed into the load position.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the invention, thecable tie apparatus 10 performs a plurality of mechanical functions insequence. These functions are driven or powered by the first and secondmotors 55, 74, which are actuated or controlled by a plurality ofsensors 170, generally proximity sensors or optical sensors. Thefunctions deliver a cable tie 14 from a plurality of cable ties 18 to acable load starting position, transport the cable tie 14 from thatposition to a cable tie tensioning position, forms the cable tie 14 intoan annular ring, and shortens a circumferential length of the annularform about a bundle of cables.

The first motor 55 imparts rotational movement to a shaft separately ina first direction and a second direction. The first and seconddirections are one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction. Thefirst motor 55 separately provides a mechanical power to a firstapparatus function in the plurality of mechanical functions as the shaftrotates in the first direction. The first motor 55 separately provides amechanical power to a second apparatus function in the plurality ofmechanical functions as the shaft rotates in the second direction.

The second motor 74 imparts rotational movement to a shaft separately ina third direction and a fourth direction wherein the third and fourthdirections are one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction. Thesecond motor 74 separately provides a mechanical power to a thirdapparatus function in the plurality of mechanical functions as its shaftrotates in the third direction. The second motor 74 separately providesa mechanical power to a fourth apparatus function in the plurality ofmechanical functions as its shaft rotates in the fourth direction.

The cable tie delivery mechanism is operably joined to one of the firstand second motors 55, 74 and performs one of the plurality of mechanicalfunctions wherein the cable tie delivery mechanism delivers the cabletie 14 to a cable load starting position.

The cable tie transporter is operably joined to one of the first andsecond motors 55, 74 and performs one of the plurality of mechanicalfunctions wherein the cable tie transporter moves the cable tie 14 fromthe cable tie load starting position to the cable tie tensioningposition.

The cable tie tensioner is operably joined to one of the first andsecond motors 55, 74 and performs one of the plurality of mechanicalfunctions wherein the cable tie tensioner shortens the circumferentiallength of the annular form.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described,numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing fromthe spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limitedby the scope of the accompanying claims.

1. An automatic cable tie apparatus for tightening and fastening a cabletie around a bundle of cables, comprising: a first motor impartingrotational movement to a first shaft separately in a first direction anda second direction wherein the first and second directions are one of aclockwise and counter-clockwise direction, respectively; a cable tiedelivery mechanism operably joined to the first motor such that thecable tie delivery mechanism transfers a cable tie to a cable tie loadstarting position as the first shaft rotates in the first direction; anda transporter operably joined to the first motor such that thetransporter transfers the cable tie from the cable tie load startingposition to a cable tie tensioning position as the first shaft rotatesin the second direction.
 2. The automatic cable tie apparatus of claim 1further comprising: a first clutch located between the first motor andthe cable tie delivery mechanism, the first clutch having an engagedcondition wherein rotational movement by the first shaft in the firstdirection drives a movement by the cable tie delivery mechanism and adisengaged condition wherein rotational movement by the first shaft inthe second direction causes the first shaft to freewheel in relation tothe cable tie delivery mechanism wherein such rotational movement by thefirst shaft in the second direction does not impart movement to thecable tie delivery mechanism.
 3. The automatic cable tie apparatus ofclaim 2 further comprising: a second clutch located between the firstmotor and the transporter, the second clutch having an engaged conditionwherein rotational movement by the first shaft in the second directiondrives a movement by the transporter and a disengaged condition whereinrotational movement by the first shaft in the first direction causes thefirst shaft to freewheel in relation to the transporter wherein suchrotational movement by the first shaft in the first direction does notimpart movement to the transporter.
 4. The automatic cable tie apparatusof claim 3 wherein the cable tie delivery mechanism comprises a gearingassembly operably joined to the first motor wherein a first gear in thegearing assembly includes a plurality of chamfered teeth configured tofrictionally engage a cable tie carrier to impart movement to the cabletie carrier upon rotation of the first shaft in the first direction todeliver the cable tie to the cable tie load starting position.
 5. Theautomatic cable tie apparatus of claim 4 wherein the transportercomprises a gearing assembly operably joined to the first motor whereina first gear imparts movement to the transporter to convey the cable tiefrom the cable tie load starting position to the cable tie tensioningposition.
 6. The automatic cable tie apparatus of claim 1 wherein thetransporter comprises an auger having a helical channel in which a cabletie head is held to impart a linear movement of the cable tie from thecable tie load starting position to the cable tie tensioning position.7. The automatic cable tie apparatus of claim 6, wherein the augerpushes the cable tie forward around a cable tie supporter of front andrear jaws into an annular shape around the bundle of cables.
 8. Theautomatic cable tie apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a secondmotor imparting rotational movement to a second shaft separately in thefirst direction and the second direction; a cable tie guide operablyjoined to the second motor such that the cable tie guide directs themoving cable tie as the second shaft rotates in a directioncorresponding to one of the first direction or the second direction; anda cable tie tensioner operably joined to the second motor such that thecable tie tensioner decreases a circumferential length of the cable tieas the second shaft rotates in an opposite direction to the directioncorresponding to one of the first direction or the second direction. 9.The automatic cable tie apparatus of claim 8 further comprising: a thirdclutch located between the second motor and the cable tie guide, thethird clutch having an engaged condition wherein rotational movement bythe second shaft in the direction corresponding to one of the firstdirection or the second direction drives a movement by the cable tieguide and a disengaged condition wherein rotational movement by thesecond shaft in the opposite direction to the direction corresponding toone of the first direction or the second direction causes the secondshaft to freewheel in relation to the cable tie guide wherein suchrotational movement by the second shaft in the opposite direction to thedirection corresponding to one of the first direction or the seconddirection does not impart movement to the cable tie guide.
 10. Theautomatic cable tie apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: a fourthclutch located between the second motor and the cable tie tensioner, thefourth clutch having an engaged condition wherein rotational movement bythe second shaft in the opposite direction to the directioncorresponding to one of the first direction or the second directiondrives a movement by the cable tie tensioner and a disengaged conditionwherein rotational movement by the second shaft in the directioncorresponding to one of the first direction or the second directioncauses the second shaft to freewheel in relation to the cable tietensioner wherein such rotational movement by the second shaft in thedirection corresponding to one of the first direction or the seconddirection does not impart movement to the cable tie tensioner.
 11. Theautomatic cable tie apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cable tie guidecomprising a support wall operably joined to the second motor such thatthe support wall moves upwardly in response to the second shaft rotatingin the direction corresponding to one of the first direction or thesecond direction.
 12. The automatic cable tie apparatus of claim 11wherein the support wall moves upwardly to a position adjacent thetransporter to support the cable tie as the cable tie moves from thecable tie load starting position to the cable tie tensioning position.13. The automatic cable tie apparatus of claim 11 wherein upwardmovement of the support wall actuates rear jaw closing the rear jawaround the cable bundle.
 14. The automatic cable tie apparatus of claim11 wherein upward movement of the support wall cuts the cable tie from acarrier strip and pulls the cable tie into the cable tie load startingposition.
 15. An automatic cable tie apparatus for tightening andfastening a cable tie around a bundle of cables, comprising: a pluralityof mechanical functions performed in sequence to deliver the cable tiefrom a plurality of cable ties to a cable load starting position, todeliver the cable tie to a cable tie tensioning position, to form thecable tie into an annular form, and to shorten a circumferential lengthof the annular form; a first motor imparting rotational movement to afirst shaft separately in a first direction and a second directionwherein the first and second directions are one of a clockwise and acounter-clockwise direction, the first motor separately providing amechanical power to a first apparatus function in the plurality ofmechanical functions as the first shaft rotates in the first directionand a second apparatus function in the plurality of mechanical functionsas the first shaft rotates in the second direction; and a second motorimparting rotational movement to a second shaft separately in a thirddirection and a fourth direction wherein the third and fourth directionsare one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction, the secondmotor separately providing a mechanical power to a third apparatusfunction in the plurality of mechanical functions as the second shaftrotates in the third direction and a fourth apparatus function in theplurality of mechanical functions as the second shaft rotates in thefourth direction; a cable tie delivery mechanism operably joined to oneof the first and second motors and performing one of the plurality ofmechanical functions wherein the cable tie delivery mechanism deliversthe cable tie to the cable load starting position; a cable tie supporteroperably joined to one of the first and second motors and performing oneof the plurality of mechanical functions wherein the cable tie supporterguides the cable tie; a cable tie transporter operably joined to one ofthe first and second motors and performing one of the plurality ofmechanical functions wherein the cable tie transporter moves the cabletie from the cable tie load starting position to the cable tietensioning position; and a cable tie tensioner operably joined to one ofthe first and second motors and performing one of the plurality ofmechanical functions wherein the cable tie tensioner shortens thecircumferential length of the cable tie and removes excess cable tie.